Paula Rives: Passion, Precision, and the Courage to Compete
Paula Rives: Passion, Precision, and the Courage to Compete
From the clay courts of Barcelona to the fast-paced arenas of Major League Pickleball, Paula Rives embodies determination, competitive fire, and fearless ambition.
Born and raised in Spain, Paula grew up surrounded by the discipline and elegance of tennis. The sport shaped her early years, teaching her not only technique but also resilience and mental toughness. Those lessons would later become the foundation for her transition into pickleball.
Her journey took a significant turn when she moved to the United States to study at Brenau University, where she earned a degree in Marketing while standing out as an exceptional tennis player. Like many athletes balancing academics and sport, she learned to manage intense schedules and maintain a strong work ethic.
But life after college introduced a new challenge: stepping away from professional sport and entering the corporate world.
For a while, Paula followed the classic nine-to-five routine — emails, deadlines, and meetings replacing competition and training. Yet the competitive spirit never disappeared.
Then pickleball entered her life.
Discovering Pickleball
What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion.
The fast pace, quick reflexes, and strategic nature of pickleball caught Paula by surprise — in the best possible way.
She immediately recognized how her tennis background translated to the new sport, especially through her two-handed backhand, which has become one of her most powerful weapons on the court.
For Paula, pickleball offered something unique: the thrill of competition combined with a welcoming and rapidly growing community.
Soon, the sport evolved from a casual interest into a serious pursuit.
Within months, she made a bold decision — leaving the corporate world behind to chase her dream of competing professionally.
A Competitive Mindset
Paula’s approach to pickleball is defined by discipline and relentless effort.
She trains intensely, focusing on technical precision, strength conditioning, and match strategy. Every session is an opportunity to improve, refine her instincts, and sharpen her decision-making under pressure.
But beyond training, Paula believes mindset is everything.
On decisive points, she follows a simple rule:
“Go earn it. Don’t wait for the other team to make a mistake.”
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That mentality has become part of her identity as a competitor.
Life on the Professional Circuit
Today, Paula balances intense training sessions with tournament travel across the professional pickleball circuit.
When she is not competing, she spends time in Largo, Florida, where she trains and prepares for upcoming events.
Behind the fierce competitor seen on court is also a warm and grounded personality. Friends and training partners describe her as focused yet approachable — someone who pushes herself relentlessly while still bringing positive energy to every match.
Her journey reflects the evolution of pickleball itself: a sport attracting talented athletes from diverse backgrounds who are shaping its future.
Exclusive Interview
DINK: What surprised you the most the first time you played pickleball?
PR: How fast-paced and strategic it is. I expected a slower game, but the quick reflexes and sharp angles completely caught me off guard — in the best way.
DINK: Which tennis skill helped you the most when switching to pickleball?
PR: My two-handed backhand has definitely been my most valuable weapon. It allows me to attack, disguise my intentions, and stay solid under pressure.
I can roll it with spin, speed it up when the timing is right, or reset with control. Even from the baseline, that backhand drive translates really well from tennis.
DINK: What does a typical training day look like when you’re not traveling?
PR: I’m lucky to work at a pickleball facility called Pickle and Pint, which gives me the flexibility to move and train throughout the day.
Usually I start with early court sessions or drilling. After that, I work with Coach Damon at Bardmoor focusing on specific skills and speed work. Then I head to the gym for strength training and usually finish with more games later in the day.
Consistency is everything.
DINK: What goes through your mind before a decisive point in a close match?
PR: I remind myself to stay aggressive and not wait for the other team to make a mistake.
You have to go earn it.
I think back to what got me to that point — the decisions, the execution, and the mindset — and I trust my game in that moment.
DINK: Is there an athlete from another sport who inspires you?
PR: As a Spaniard, it has to be Rafael Nadal.
His intensity, humility, and relentless work ethic are unmatched. Watching him compete with heart has always been a huge inspiration for me.
DINK: What has been your favorite tournament so far?
PR: PPA and MLP at Life Time San Clemente have definitely been my favorites. The location is stunning, and the community there is incredible — welcoming, passionate, and full of great energy.
DINK: What helps you unplug from competition?
PR: My husband and I love spending time at Disney. We often go for weekend walks through Downtown Disney, grab dinner, and sometimes even play a round of mini golf.
It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge.
DINK: What big objective have you set for yourself this season?
PR: Right now I’m focused on getting better every day.
I’m not chasing rankings — I’m committed to developing my game so I can compete with the best. My goal is to break through in the PPA, prove I belong at that level, and eventually become part of an MLP team.
Florida Smash would be an amazing opportunity, and I want to keep improving so I’m ready when that chance comes.
DINK: What advice would you give to someone transitioning from tennis to pickleball?
PR: Do it.
Be open to learning because it’s a different rhythm, strategy, and mindset.
But if you love competition and precision, you’ll be hooked fast.
Paula Rives: Passion, Precision, and the Courage to Compete
From the clay courts of Barcelona to the fast-paced arenas of Major League Pickleball, Paula Rives embodies determination, competitive fire, and fearless ambition.
Born and raised in Spain, Paula grew up surrounded by the discipline and elegance of tennis. The sport shaped her early years, teaching her not only technique but also resilience and mental toughness. Those lessons would later become the foundation for her transition into pickleball.
Her journey took a significant turn when she moved to the United States to study at Brenau University, where she earned a degree in Marketing while standing out as an exceptional tennis player. Like many athletes balancing academics and sport, she learned to manage intense schedules and maintain a strong work ethic.
But life after college introduced a new challenge: stepping away from professional sport and entering the corporate world.
For a while, Paula followed the classic nine-to-five routine — emails, deadlines, and meetings replacing competition and training. Yet the competitive spirit never disappeared.
Then pickleball entered her life.
Discovering Pickleball
What started as curiosity quickly turned into a passion.
The fast pace, quick reflexes, and strategic nature of pickleball caught Paula by surprise — in the best possible way.
She immediately recognized how her tennis background translated to the new sport, especially through her two-handed backhand, which has become one of her most powerful weapons on the court.
For Paula, pickleball offered something unique: the thrill of competition combined with a welcoming and rapidly growing community.
Soon, the sport evolved from a casual interest into a serious pursuit.
Within months, she made a bold decision — leaving the corporate world behind to chase her dream of competing professionally.
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A Competitive Mindset
Paula’s approach to pickleball is defined by discipline and relentless effort.
She trains intensely, focusing on technical precision, strength conditioning, and match strategy. Every session is an opportunity to improve, refine her instincts, and sharpen her decision-making under pressure.
But beyond training, Paula believes mindset is everything.
On decisive points, she follows a simple rule:
“Go earn it. Don’t wait for the other team to make a mistake.”
LOVE PICKLEBALL?
Get Dink Authority Magazine updates, new editions, pro stories and event alerts.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.
That mentality has become part of her identity as a competitor.
Life on the Professional Circuit
Today, Paula balances intense training sessions with tournament travel across the professional pickleball circuit.
When she is not competing, she spends time in Largo, Florida, where she trains and prepares for upcoming events.
Behind the fierce competitor seen on court is also a warm and grounded personality. Friends and training partners describe her as focused yet approachable — someone who pushes herself relentlessly while still bringing positive energy to every match.
Her journey reflects the evolution of pickleball itself: a sport attracting talented athletes from diverse backgrounds who are shaping its future.
Exclusive Interview
DINK: What surprised you the most the first time you played pickleball?
PR: How fast-paced and strategic it is. I expected a slower game, but the quick reflexes and sharp angles completely caught me off guard — in the best way.
DINK: Which tennis skill helped you the most when switching to pickleball?
PR: My two-handed backhand has definitely been my most valuable weapon. It allows me to attack, disguise my intentions, and stay solid under pressure.
I can roll it with spin, speed it up when the timing is right, or reset with control. Even from the baseline, that backhand drive translates really well from tennis.
DINK: What does a typical training day look like when you’re not traveling?
PR: I’m lucky to work at a pickleball facility called Pickle and Pint, which gives me the flexibility to move and train throughout the day.
Usually I start with early court sessions or drilling. After that, I work with Coach Damon at Bardmoor focusing on specific skills and speed work. Then I head to the gym for strength training and usually finish with more games later in the day.
Consistency is everything.
DINK: What goes through your mind before a decisive point in a close match?
PR: I remind myself to stay aggressive and not wait for the other team to make a mistake.
You have to go earn it.
I think back to what got me to that point — the decisions, the execution, and the mindset — and I trust my game in that moment.
DINK: Is there an athlete from another sport who inspires you?
PR: As a Spaniard, it has to be Rafael Nadal.
His intensity, humility, and relentless work ethic are unmatched. Watching him compete with heart has always been a huge inspiration for me.
DINK: What has been your favorite tournament so far?
PR: PPA and MLP at Life Time San Clemente have definitely been my favorites. The location is stunning, and the community there is incredible — welcoming, passionate, and full of great energy.
DINK: What helps you unplug from competition?
PR: My husband and I love spending time at Disney. We often go for weekend walks through Downtown Disney, grab dinner, and sometimes even play a round of mini golf.
It’s the perfect way to relax and recharge.
DINK: What big objective have you set for yourself this season?
PR: Right now I’m focused on getting better every day.
I’m not chasing rankings — I’m committed to developing my game so I can compete with the best. My goal is to break through in the PPA, prove I belong at that level, and eventually become part of an MLP team.
Florida Smash would be an amazing opportunity, and I want to keep improving so I’m ready when that chance comes.
DINK: What advice would you give to someone transitioning from tennis to pickleball?
PR: Do it.
Be open to learning because it’s a different rhythm, strategy, and mindset.
But if you love competition and precision, you’ll be hooked fast.
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